With numbers of Sea-Eagles (2 species) 
and Red-crowned (or Japanese) Cranes,
And our quest for the massive, rare 
   Blakiston's Fish Owl.
(During all of our previous tours 
in Hokkaido, we've seen it.)
 Also a Ferry-trip for 
Alcids & Albatrosses 

FONT has been doing Japan birding tours for a more than a decade.
This to be our 31st birding tour in Japan!


Links:

Itinerary:

Thu, Jan. 29:  Arrival at Narita-Tokyo Int'l. Airport (about 2 hours north of Tokyo). Transfer to overnight in the area of Narita (at a western-style hotel). 

Fri, Jan. 30:  After some birding in Honshu during the day, we'll board the ferry from Honshu to Hokkaido, for an overnight trip, continuing into the next day, mostly off the coast of northern Honshu. 

Sat, Jan 31:  A full-day at sea as we travel north. A number of pelagic birds are possible, including the Laysan Albatross (we've seen as many as 500 to 1000 during previous tours, although recently, for some reason, in the winter far less have been seen). We've also seen been lucky to see on a couple occasions from the ferry the rare Short-tailed Albatross. More likely will be various alcids, including both murres, Ancient Murrelet, and Least Auklet. (During one ferry trip, we saw an estimated 25,000 Crested Auklets). 
During our trip on this ferry in January '04, offshore from northern Honshu, a Gyrfalcon flew by the boat, then circled above us before heading toward the coast. On another occasion (in December '04), in that same area, a Short-eared Owl flew by the boat. So, as always, you never know what you'll see at sea. After dark, we'll arrive at Tomakomai, in Hokkaido. Overnight there.

Sun, Feb. 1:  After some morning birding in southwestern Hokkaido (in the area of a lake near Tomakomai), we'll travel east with more birding, and some spectacular scenery along the way. We'll then be in position for our upcoming wonderful experience with the Japanese Cranes the next morning. This day, as we travel from west to east, there could be a number of nice birds such as tits, including the Varied, finches including Asian Rosy and Bullfinches (both nice to see in the snow), and woodpeckers (such as the White-backed and the Black). Our overnight in the area of the Akan National Park.      

Mon, Feb 2: This day, as our birding in southeastern Hokkaido begins — we'll have experiences that we'll always remember, firstly, as we enjoy the sights and sounds of the Red-crowned or Japanese Cranes. Those sights and sounds will be wonderful , as the birds dance and call, or even just stand, in a flock on the snow. (They're wonderful, it should be noted, even without snow.) Another highlight, in the afternoon, at the crane site, is the feeding of small fish (eaten by the cranes, yes, but even more dramatic is the swooping in of either, or both, of the sea-eagles — the White-Tailed and Steller's). Overnight, again, near the Akan National Park.  

Tue & Wed, Feb. 3 & 4:  During these two days, we'll have a number of objectives. Our first will be, along the coast, the renowned concentrations of two species of sea-eagles, Steller's and White-tailed. 
During this day, we should have some tremendous coastal birding at various habitats including lofty cliffs and expansive dunes by the  sea. Our especially good birds could include, in addition the eagles, some alcids including the Spectacled Guillemot (endemic to the northwestern Pacific), and numerous waterfowl including Whooper Swans and some ducks quite attractive: Smews and Harlequins (the latter can be in large flocks). 
We could, with luck, have a "steller time" with the likes of the Steller's Sea-Eagle, Steller's Eider, and Steller's Sea Lion. 
But possibly the best bird of the day could be the rare Blakiston's Fish-Owl, which is not only one of the rarest, but also one of the largest of all the owls in the world. We've seen it during all of our previous tours. And we intend to do so during this tour, as well — either this evening, or, if conditions warranted, the previous evening. (If we can, we go for the owl the first night possible, as one never knows what's ahead with the winter weather on Hokkaido.) Our last night in Hokkaido, further inland, by a national park with volcanoes, hot springs, a large lake and wonderful forest. Our last overnights in eastern Hokkaido.

Thu, Feb. 5:  In the morning, a visit to the large lake normally mostly frozen, but with a gathering of Whooper Swans where the water is open. The swans, usually vocal and with a repertoire of motions, will be close to us, in the mist rising from the lake. 
Mid-day, we'll travel west on Hokkaido for either the ferry or a flight back to Tokyo.  

Fri, Feb. 6: Departure for home from Japan.

1. To arrive in Japan on Thu. Jan. 29, departure from the U.S. would be on Wed, Jan.28, 2009. .  
2. Departing from Japan on either Fri, Feb 6  would mean arrival in the U.S. the same day  (by the clock, even possibly earlier that day).
   

Prices:  

US$ 1,995 - per person (from Narita-Tokyo airport), based upon double-occupancy 
 
Single-supplement: $365. 
(Single occupancy may not be available for the one night onboard the ferry from Honshu to Hokkaido.) 

Includes:  
All overnight accommodations. (Most to be in "western-style" hotels.)
Meals (except those on Jan. 29 & Feb 6). 
(Most meals can be "western" or "Japanese" as participants desire.) 
All ground transportation in Japan. 
Services of FONT birding leader and local guides.

"Focus on Nature Tours" can arrange economical fares for the flights to/from Japan. 
Please contact us regarding the best fares possible.


The leader for this tour will be Armas Hill, who has birded in Japan
numerous times since 1984.